Scuba Diving Course in Andaman

Scuba Diving in Andaman: Introduction

Scuba diving courses in Andaman range from a half-day Discover Scuba Diving session (₹3,500 – ₹6,500) to the 4-day PADI or SSI Open Water Diver certification (₹27,000 – ₹35,000 as of 2026), which licenses you to dive to 18 metres anywhere in the world. Nearly every course is taught on Havelock Island (Swaraj Dweep), with dive centres also operating on Neil Island and in Port Blair. The season runs October to May, when underwater visibility reaches 15 to 30 metres. Certification courses require a 200-metre swim test, and divers must be aged 12 to 59.

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A scuba diving course is a structured program that teaches individuals the skills, knowledge, and safety practices required to explore the underwater world using a self-contained underwater breathing apparatus (SCUBA). These courses are typically offered by certified scuba diving organizations and are conducted by professional instructors. The main goal is to ensure divers are competent, safe and comfortable underwater.

Key Components of a Scuba Diving Course

Theory Lessons

Understanding basic scuba diving concepts (e.g., pressure, buoyancy, underwater communication) is important. You need to learn the equipment use and maintenance.
The most important component is to learn about the safety procedures and emergency management.

Confined Water Dives

These dives will help you practice skills in a controlled environment, such as a pool or shallow water. The scuba diving course lessons will also teach you techniques such as mask clearing, regulator recovery and buoyancy control.

Open Water Dives

You will get the chance to apply skills in real-world conditions, such as in the ocean, a lake or some other open water environment. These dives typically includes multiple dives to ensure the diver is comfortable and confident underwater.

Certification

After successfully completing the course, participants receive a certification card (e.g., PADI Open Water Diver, SSI Open Water Diver). This certification allows you to rent equipment and participate in guided dives worldwide.

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Popular Scuba Certification Agencies

• PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors)
• SSI (Scuba Schools International)
• NAUI (National Association of Underwater Instructors)
• BSAC (British Sub-Aqua Club)

Types of Scuba Diving Courses

• Discover Scuba Diving: Introductory session for beginners with no prior experience.
• Open Water Diver: Entry-level certification for independent diving.
• Advanced Open Water Diver: Builds on basic skills and introduces advanced techniques.
• Specialty Courses: Focus on specific types of diving like deep diving, wreck diving, or underwater photography.
• Rescue Diver: Teaches self-rescue and assisting others.
• Professional Certifications: Includes Divemaster and Instructor training.

These scuba diving courses are available in many coastal locations and tropical destinations all across the world and Andaman has a very good reputation in delivering these courses to eager learners who come from all across the globe.

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Why Choose Andaman for Scuba Diving

Andaman is India’s best destination for learning to scuba dive for four concrete reasons: in-season visibility of 15 to 30 metres from October to May, warm tropical water that lets you train in a thin 3mm wetsuit or none at all, more than 25 mapped dive sites around Havelock Island alone, and course prices that undercut most international destinations. An internationally valid PADI or SSI Open Water certification costs ₹27,000 – ₹35,000 here, taught in English at established dive centres, several of them operating since 2011.

Pristine waters: Visibility ranges from 15 to 30 metres in season, so a student diver can see the instructor, the buddy, and the reef at all times. That is a real safety and confidence advantage on a first open-water dive.

Rich marine biodiversity: Divers regularly meet reef sharks, sea turtles, bumphead parrotfish, and healthy hard-coral gardens, with chance encounters with rays and, at Barren Island, dramatic volcanic topography.

Dive-site variety within course range: Beginner sites sit minutes from the training beaches on Havelock, while Advanced students progress to deeper sites like Johnny’s Gorge and Dickson’s Pinnacle off the same island. Barren Island, India’s only active volcano, offers advanced dives found nowhere else in South Asia.

Certified dive centres: Havelock hosts PADI 5-Star and SSI-affiliated dive centres with full-time instructors. Certifications issued here are valid at dive shops worldwide and never expire.

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Scuba Diving Courses in Andaman: Levels, Depth, Duration and Price

Andaman runs the full PADI and SSI course ladder. This table is the quick reference; prices are 2026 rates from Havelock dive centres (see the full price breakdown lower down).

Course	Max depth	Duration	Price (2026)	Prerequisite
Discover Scuba Diving (no certification)	12 m	Half day	₹3,500 – ₹6,500	None; non-swimmers welcome
Scuba Diver (2-day)	12 m	2 days	₹16,000 – ₹20,000	Basic comfort in water
Open Water Diver (OWD)	18 m	4 days	₹27,000 – ₹35,000	200 m swim, 10-min float, age 12+
Advanced Open Water (AOWD)	30 m	2–3 days	₹22,500 – ₹30,000	OWD certification
Specialty (deep / night / wreck)	varies	1–2 days each	₹14,000 – ₹20,000	OWD certification
Rescue Diver	—	3–4 days	on request	AOWD + first-aid (EFR)
Divemaster	—	2–4 weeks	₹79,000 – ₹1,00,000	Rescue Diver

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Top Diving Locations in Andaman

1. Havelock Island (Swaraj Dweep) is the top place for scuba diving in Andaman and the hub where nearly all certification courses are taught. More than 25 mapped dive sites surround the island, from shore-entry beginner reefs to advanced sites like Johnny’s Gorge, Dickson’s Pinnacle, and the SS Inchkeith wreck. Every major dive school in the Andamans, including Barefoot Scuba, Experience Scuba, Seahawks, and Dive India, operates from Havelock’s beaches Nos. 2 to 5.

2. Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep) is a quieter alternative about an hour by ferry from Havelock, known for calm, shallow water and dense coral at sites like Margherita’s Mischief and K Rock. Both suit beginners and relaxed fun dives. Dive India runs the main course centre here, making Neil the only island besides Havelock where you can complete a full certification.

3. Port Blair is where most travellers arrive, and its sites at North Bay Island and Munda Pahad suit quick dives and first-timers who do not want to travel further. The water is shallower and busier than Havelock, so it works best for a Discover Scuba session on an arrival or departure day rather than a full course.

4. Barren Island sits beside India’s only active volcano, roughly a full-day trip by boat from Havelock. Its black volcanic sand, steep drop-offs, and pelagic life make it an advanced-only site: you need an Advanced Open Water certification and settled seas, so treat it as a bucket-list add-on rather than a place to learn.

5. South Button Island is a small, protected site with shallow, clear water and colourful coral gardens. It is ideal for underwater photography and for beginners building confidence, and it is usually reached as a day trip from Havelock or Neil.

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Comparing Dive Schools in Andaman

As a tour operator rather than a dive shop, we can compare Andaman’s dive schools without steering you toward our own courses. These are established Havelock centres we have sent guests to. Open Water prices are 2026 published rates.

Dive school	Location	Agency	Known for	Open Water price (2026)
Barefoot Scuba	Havelock, Beach No. 3	PADI	Course-plus-resort-stay packages; pro courses up to Instructor	₹60,080 for two with a 4-night stay (course component)
Experience Scuba	Havelock, Beach No. 5	PADI 5-Star	Non-swimmer and kids’ programs; operating since 2011	₹27,000
Seahawks Scuba	Havelock, Beach No. 2	SSI	Full SSI specialty ladder: wreck, night, deep, rescue	₹29,000 + 18% GST
Dive India	Havelock & Neil Island	SSI / PADI	The only major school also on Neil Island	Verify current rate
Ocean Tribe	Havelock	PADI	Beginner and family-friendly courses	Verify current rate

Choosing between them: if you want accommodation bundled with your course, Barefoot’s package is the only course-plus-stay offer on the island. If you are a non-swimmer starting with a trial dive, Experience Scuba and Seahawks both run shore programs with no swimming prerequisite. If you plan to continue into specialties, staying with Seahawks’ SSI ladder or Barefoot’s PADI pro track keeps you with one school throughout.

What to Expect During a Course

• Day 1: Introduction to scuba gear, safety protocols, and basic underwater skills.
• Day 2-3: Practice dives in confined waters and open water dives.
• Day 4-5 (for OWD): Final certification dives and written assessment.

Scuba Diving Course Prices in Andaman (Updated July 2026)

Prices below were checked against the published rates of Havelock Island dive centres in July 2026. GST of 18% is extra where noted, and rates shift slightly each season, so re-verify before booking.

Course	Typical price	Example published rate (2026)
Discover Scuba Diving (no certification)	₹3,500 – ₹6,500	Experience Scuba: ₹5,000 (Tribe Gate)
Scuba Diver (2-day, 12 m)	₹16,000 – ₹20,000	Seahawks: ₹16,000 + GST
Open Water Diver (4-day, 18 m)	₹27,000 – ₹35,000	Experience Scuba: ₹27,000; Seahawks: ₹29,000 + GST
Advanced Open Water (2-3 day, 30 m)	₹22,500 – ₹30,000	Experience Scuba: ₹22,500; Seahawks: ₹28,000 + GST
Specialty courses (deep, night, wreck)	₹14,000 – ₹20,000 each	Seahawks: ₹14,000–₹18,000 + GST
Divemaster (2-4 weeks)	₹79,000 – ₹1,00,000	Experience Scuba: ₹79,999
Course + stay packages	from ₹30,000 / person	Barefoot Scuba: OWD + 4-night stay, ₹60,080 for two

Best Time for Scuba Diving in Andaman

• October to May: The weather is pleasant, and the waters are calm with good visibility.
• Avoid Monsoons (June-September): Strong currents and reduced visibility.

Tips for a Great Scuba Learning Experience

• Choose a Certified Dive Centre: Look for PADI or SSI certifications. They are thought to be standard and reliable. They have gained the right kind of reputation over years.
• Communicate Health Concerns: Let your instructor know about any medical conditions that might be suffering or have suffered. Let them assess your eligibility on the basis of your fitness level. Hiding vital information can prove fatal at a later stage.
• Stay Relaxed: Practice controlled breathing to enjoy the dive fully. Until and unless you are relaxed, you won’t be able to enjoy and learn fully.
• Respect Marine Life: Avoid touching corals or disturbing marine creatures. There would be a lot of dos and don’ts. So do be considerate enough to follow the practices, rules and conventions of the underwater world. They shall prove to be beneficial to you so that you are not at risk of any sort from any creature, and will prove to be useful for the marine world conservation efforts.
• Carry a GoPro or Rent One: Capture the stunning underwater world. These memories shall be your ultimate reward after having taken so much trouble in accessing the mysteries of the underwater world.

Scuba diving in the Andaman Islands is an unforgettable experience, blending adventure and the thrill of exploring a vibrant underwater ecosystem. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced diver, the islands have something for everyone. The structure of PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) and SSI (Scuba Schools International) certification courses is designed to progressively teach scuba diving skills, theory, and safety protocols, ensuring students are well-prepared to dive independently.

Let us look at roughly how these certifications are generally structured.

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Course Levels

Both PADI and SSI offer similar levels of certifications:

Beginner Courses:

• Discover Scuba Diving (DSD): A non-certification introductory dive.
• Open Water Diver (OWD): The first-level certification to dive up to 18 meters.

Advanced Courses:

• Advanced Open Water Diver (AOWD): Expands skills and increases the depth limit to 30 meters.
• Specialty Certifications: Focus on areas like wreck diving, underwater photography, or nitrox diving.

Professional Courses:

• Rescue Diver: Teaches problem-solving and rescue techniques.
• Dive Master: Prepares students for leadership roles in diving.

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Course Structure

Each course includes three primary components:

Knowledge Development (Theory)

• Format: Classroom sessions, e-learning, or a combination of both.
• Topics Covered: You shall gain knowledge on basic physics and physiology of diving and dive planning and safety. You will also learn about equipment usage and maintenance along with environmental awareness.
• Assessments: Your knowledge shall be assessed at the end through quizzes and a final exam to test your level of understanding.

Confined Water Dives

• Location: A swimming pool or shallow, controlled water environment is chosen for confined water dives.
• Skills Practiced: You will learn to breath comfortably underwater. Also, get to know about equipment setup and removal. Get an idea on how to manage buoyancy control. Most importantly, they will teach you to react effectively to emergency procedures, such as mask clearing and regulator recovery.

Open Water Dives

• Location: Locations such as real dive sites like reefs or coastal waters are earmarked for the courses.
• Skills Practiced: You shall learn to apply confined water skills in open water. You will also learn navigation and buddy system diving. You will get more ideas and knowledge on depth management and safety stops.
• Requirement: A minimum number of dives, usually 4 for OWD, are needed to get to know the basics.

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Key Differences Between PADI and SSI

Learning Style:

• PADI: Structured with fixed materials and methods.
• SSI: Flexible with adaptive materials and digital integration.

E-learning Costs:

• PADI: Requires upfront payment for materials.
• SSI: Usually free, with course fees paid later.

Certification Validity:

Both are internationally recognized and equally respected.

After Certification

There are some remarkable benefits after you attain your Scuba Diving certification, apart from enjoying the beauty of the ocean depths and cherishing the encounters with the underworld creatures. First, certified divers can rent equipment and dive with a buddy anywhere in the world. Moreover, these certifications do not expire, but refresher courses are recommended if you haven’t dived in over a year.

Frequently Asked Questions About Scuba Diving Courses in Andaman

Q: How much does a scuba diving course cost in Andaman?

A: A scuba diving course in Andaman costs between ₹3,500 for a half-day Discover Scuba session and ₹35,000 for a full 4-day Open Water Diver certification, based on July 2026 published rates at Havelock Island dive centres. GST of 18% applies at most schools, and course-plus-accommodation packages start around ₹30,000 per person.

Q: Can non-swimmers do a scuba course in Andaman?

A: Yes. Non-swimmers can do introductory programs such as Discover Scuba Diving and guided shore dives, which need no swimming ability, only a guide-accompanied briefing. Certification is different: the Open Water Diver course requires a 200-metre swim and a 10-minute float before the training dives begin.

Q: What are the age and medical requirements for a scuba course in Andaman?

A: Scuba diving in the Andamans is open to ages 12 to 59. Divers over 50, and anyone answering yes to a condition on the standard diver medical questionnaire, need a doctor’s certificate before starting. Certified divers who have been inactive for more than 6 to 9 months are asked to complete a refresher before open-water dives.

Q: PADI or SSI in Andaman: which certification should you choose?

A: Both PADI and SSI are taught in Andaman and both are recognised worldwide, so an SSI card is accepted at PADI shops and the reverse. In practice the school decides: Barefoot Scuba and Experience Scuba teach PADI, while Seahawks teaches SSI. SSI schools usually include e-learning material free, whereas PADI e-learning is paid upfront.

Q: When is the best time for a scuba diving course in Andaman?

A: October to May is the diving season, with calm water and 15 to 30 metres of visibility. Avoid June to September, when the southwest monsoon brings strong currents, rain, and reduced visibility, and many Havelock centres cut back their schedules.

Q: How long does an Open Water Diver course take in Andaman?

A: The PADI or SSI Open Water Diver course takes 4 days in Andaman: theory and confined-water skills first, then four open-water training dives. Shorter options exist, including the half-day Discover Scuba experience and the 2-day Scuba Diver course.

Last updated: July 2026.

About the author: This guide is written and maintained by the AndamanTourism.org editorial team, a local Andaman-based tour operator headquartered in Sri Vijaya Puram (Port Blair). We book scuba courses and stays on Havelock and Neil year-round and update prices and course details each season from the dive centres directly. Course standards referenced here follow the published training guidelines of PADI (padi.com) and SSI (divessi.com).